A bill to provide that participation in the American Community Survey is voluntary.

1/29/2025, 11:56 AM
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Bill 119 s 265, also known as the "American Community Survey Voluntary Participation Act," is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress. The main purpose of this bill is to make participation in the American Community Survey (ACS) voluntary, rather than mandatory as it currently is.

The American Community Survey is a survey conducted by the US Census Bureau that collects demographic, social, economic, and housing information from a sample of households across the country. This data is used to make important decisions about government programs, funding allocations, and policy-making.

If passed, Bill 119 s 265 would give individuals the choice to participate in the ACS, rather than being required by law to do so. This change is aimed at addressing concerns about privacy and government intrusion, as some individuals feel uncomfortable providing personal information to the government. Supporters of the bill argue that making the ACS voluntary would increase response rates and accuracy of the data collected, as individuals who choose to participate may provide more accurate and detailed information. However, opponents worry that making the survey voluntary could lead to incomplete or biased data, which could impact the effectiveness of government programs and policies. Overall, Bill 119 s 265 seeks to give individuals the freedom to decide whether or not to participate in the American Community Survey, while also considering the potential implications for data quality and government decision-making.
Congress
119

Number
S - 265

Introduced on
2025-01-28

# Amendments
0

Sponsors
+5

Cosponsors
+5

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
House to Vote
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Bill 119 s 265, also known as the "American Community Survey Voluntary Participation Act," is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress. The main purpose of this bill is to make participation in the American Community Survey (ACS) voluntary, rather than mandatory as it currently is.

The American Community Survey is a survey conducted by the US Census Bureau that collects demographic, social, economic, and housing information from a sample of households across the country. This data is used to make important decisions about government programs, funding allocations, and policy-making.

If passed, Bill 119 s 265 would give individuals the choice to participate in the ACS, rather than being required by law to do so. This change is aimed at addressing concerns about privacy and government intrusion, as some individuals feel uncomfortable providing personal information to the government. Supporters of the bill argue that making the ACS voluntary would increase response rates and accuracy of the data collected, as individuals who choose to participate may provide more accurate and detailed information. However, opponents worry that making the survey voluntary could lead to incomplete or biased data, which could impact the effectiveness of government programs and policies. Overall, Bill 119 s 265 seeks to give individuals the freedom to decide whether or not to participate in the American Community Survey, while also considering the potential implications for data quality and government decision-making.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedA bill to provide that participation in the American Community Survey is voluntary.

Comments

APPROVED
KU
Khai Upchurch
@sichuan_pepper_epazote_sorrel19290
I can't believe this bill is making it so we don't have to do it. It's gonna mess things up for everyone. #UnitedStatesSBill265 #AmericanCommunitySurvey #voluntaryparticipation #affectseveryone

Recent Activity

Latest Action1/28/2025
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.